NYC's Pre-Approved ADU Plan Library — All 11 Designs Reviewed

on march 18, 2026, new york city launched something that could fundamentally change how homeowners build ADUs: the Pre-Approved Plan Library (PAPL). developed by HPD and the Department of Buildings as part of the new ADU For You platform, the library offers a collection of ready-to-build ADU designs that have already been vetted for city code compliance.

instead of spending months and tens of thousands of dollars on custom architectural plans and DOB review, homeowners can now pick a pre-approved design, work with its architect to adapt it to their lot, and file for permits through a streamlined process. the library currently features 10 designs from 8 architecture firms, with more expected to be added as design professionals submit new plans for DOB review.

we reviewed every design in the library. here is what you need to know about each one -- the square footage, cost, layout, and who it is best for.

what is the pre-approved plan library?

the Pre-Approved Plan Library (PAPL) is a curated collection of ADU architectural designs that have already been reviewed by the NYC Department of Buildings for compliance with construction codes, fire safety, accessibility, and zoning standards. the key word is pre-approved -- these designs have passed the most time-consuming part of the permitting process before you even pick one.

the library was developed as part of the ADU For You toolkit, a joint effort between HPD, DOB, WXY Architecture + Urban Design, Habitat for Humanity, and KMA. the designs were sourced through a national open call that concluded in september 2025, drawing submissions from architecture firms across the country.

each plan in the library includes full construction documents, structural engineering, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) specifications. these are not concept sketches -- they are buildable plans.

why pre-approved plans matter

if you have ever dealt with the DOB permitting process, you know it can be slow. getting custom architectural plans approved often takes 3 to 6 months and costs $5,000 to $30,000 in architect and engineer fees before a single nail is driven.

pre-approved plans change the equation in three major ways:

• faster permitting. the bulk of DOB's design review is already complete. you still need a site-specific review to confirm the plan fits your lot, but that is significantly faster than a full plan examination.
• lower upfront costs. you do not need to hire an architect from scratch to design a custom ADU. the design professional who created the plan adapts it to your property, which costs a fraction of a ground-up design.
• known costs upfront. each plan in the library includes an estimated construction cost range. you can budget realistically before committing to a project, which is especially important if you are applying for Plus One financing.

all 10 designs, reviewed

here is every design currently in the Pre-Approved Plan Library, organized from smallest to largest. all designs are for rear-yard (backyard) ADUs unless otherwise noted.

1. SITU ADU by SITU -- 280 SF

plan ID:	SITU 1.1.1
architect:	SITU (Michael Jerome Brotherton / Story Architecture PLLC)
size:	280 sq ft
layout:	studio, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$220,000 -- $280,000
type:	detached

the smallest design in the library, the SITU ADU uses a modular WikiHouse structural frame system -- a factory-built approach where prefabricated components snap together on site. the design includes a storage loft, murphy bed, and mini-split AC. the high-performance building envelope keeps energy costs low.

best for: homeowners with tight lots who want a compact rental unit or home office. the modular construction means faster build times compared to traditional stick-built methods.

2. Xanadu by BEAM Architects -- 300 SF

plan ID:	BEAM 1.1
architect:	BEAM Architects (Jacob Goldman)
size:	300 sq ft
layout:	studio, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$85,000 -- $100,000
type:	detached

xanadu is the most affordable design in the entire library at an estimated $85,000 to $100,000. it features a contemporary design with a neutral facade wrapped in fiber cement siding, designed to blend with a wide range of existing homes. the covered porch adds a welcoming entry without increasing the footprint significantly. sage interior accents give it personality without overwhelming the compact space.

best for: budget-conscious homeowners. at under $100K on the low end, this plan could be fully covered by Plus One financing with money to spare for site work and contingencies.

3. CDA Studio by Unit Two Development -- 336 SF

plan ID:	CDA 1.1
architect:	Unit Two Development
size:	336 sq ft
layout:	studio, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$250,000 -- $310,000
type:	attached

the CDA Studio is the only attached design in the library -- it connects directly to your main house rather than standing as a separate structure in the backyard. built with steel construction, it offers generous natural light and is fully wheelchair accessible with grab bars. it carries both ZERH (Zero Energy Ready Home) and ENERGY STAR certifications.

best for: homeowners who want an attached in-law suite or who lack sufficient yard space for a detached unit. the accessibility features make it ideal for aging-in-place scenarios.

4. SMART LOFT by ANE Design LLC -- 343 SF

plan ID:	ANE 1.2
architect:	ANE Design LLC (Robert H Lin)
size:	343 sq ft
layout:	studio, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$100,000 -- $120,000
type:	detached

the SMART LOFT lives up to its name with an open loft concept that makes 343 square feet feel larger than it is. high ceilings and large windows flood the space with natural light, and the flexible floor plan can serve as a studio apartment, guest house, or home office. the stucco and vinyl exterior keeps material costs down.

best for: homeowners looking for an affordable, flexible space. at $100K to $120K estimated, this is the second most affordable design in the library and well within Plus One financing limits.

5. Maisel House by Reform Architecture -- 400 SF

plan ID:	Reform 1.1
architect:	Reform Architecture PLLC (Karim Ahmed)
size:	400 sq ft
layout:	studio/1 bed, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$550,000 -- $650,000
type:	detached

the Maisel House is the most expensive design in the library, but it is also one of the most architecturally distinctive. it features a gable roof with standing seam metal, wood siding, sliding glass doors, and a terrace. the design is conceived as a garage conversion -- it replaces or converts an existing garage structure into a living space with contemporary finishes.

best for: homeowners with an existing garage they want to convert, or those prioritizing design quality and willing to invest in a premium finish. the flexible studio/1-bed layout works for both rental income and family use.

6. Studio ADU NYC by VL Architects -- 439 SF

plan ID:	VL 1.1.2
architect:	VL Architects (Haein Vieira Lisboa)
size:	439 sq ft
layout:	studio, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$185,000 -- $265,000
type:	detached

the Studio ADU NYC is the most sustainability-forward design in the library. it is fully all-electric with a heat pump for heating and cooling, rooftop solar panels with battery backup, and high-efficiency appliances throughout. it is wheelchair accessible with an ADA-compliant bathroom. like the CDA designs, it carries ZERH and ENERGY STAR certifications.

best for: homeowners who want to minimize long-term operating costs and environmental impact. the solar and battery system means this ADU could potentially achieve near-zero energy bills.

7. Still Point by EEREE -- 472 SF

plan ID:	EEREE 1.1
architect:	EEREE (Boram Lee Jung)
size:	472.5 sq ft
layout:	1 bedroom, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$100,000 -- $140,000
type:	detached

Still Point stands out as arguably the best value in the library. at 472 square feet with a dedicated bedroom, it is the largest plan you can get for under $150K. the design uses corrugated metal panel cladding and sustainable materials to keep construction costs low. it includes a heat pump with a drain-water heat recovery system and greywater reuse capability -- innovative green features that are rare at this price point. it is also wheelchair accessible.

best for: homeowners who want maximum space and a real bedroom on a tight budget. this is the plan to beat if affordability is your primary concern.

8. Far Nordic ADU by FAR Architecture -- 600 SF

plan ID:	FAR 1.1
architect:	FAR Architecture PLLC (Daniel Ferguson)
size:	600 sq ft
layout:	1 bedroom, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$390,000 -- $450,000
type:	detached above new garage

the Far Nordic ADU takes a distinctive approach: it is a two-story structure with the ADU living space above a new garage. the Scandinavian-inspired design features wood and stone veneer exterior, an outdoor deck, and a high-efficiency heat pump. the insulation exceeds NYC Energy Conservation Code minimums.

best for: homeowners who need both a garage and a rental unit, or who want to maximize vertical space on a narrow lot. the two-story format means you do not sacrifice your entire backyard for the ADU footprint.

9. CDA One Bed by Unit Two Development -- 600 SF

plan ID:	CDA 1.2
architect:	Unit Two Development
size:	600 sq ft
layout:	1 bedroom, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$360,000 -- $430,000
type:	detached

the larger sibling of the CDA Studio, the CDA One Bed offers a full bedroom with sliding doors, a one-wall closet system, and expansive windows that bring in plenty of natural light. like its studio counterpart, it uses steel construction and is fully wheelchair accessible with grab bars. it is ZERH and ENERGY STAR certified, and includes optional solar panel integration.

best for: homeowners who want a proper one-bedroom apartment for a family member or long-term tenant. the accessibility features and energy certifications make it attractive for aging-in-place or tenants who value low utility bills.

10. Grand ADU by ANE Design LLC -- 785 SF

plan ID:	ANE 1.1
architect:	ANE Design LLC (Robert H Lin)
size:	785 sq ft
layout:	2 bedrooms, 1 bath
estimated cost:	$160,000 -- $230,000
type:	detached

the Grand ADU is the largest design in the library -- pushing right up against the city's 800-square-foot maximum for ADUs. it is a two-story structure with two bedrooms and a one-car garage on the ground level. despite its size, the estimated cost of $160K to $230K makes it one of the more cost-effective designs per square foot. the contemporary design keeps the overall form efficient.

best for: families. this is the only plan in the library with two bedrooms, making it suitable for a small family, roommates, or a homeowner who wants a separate home office and bedroom. the ground-floor garage is a bonus in neighborhoods where street parking is tight.

the 11th design: more coming soon

the initial announcement on march 18 referenced 11 pre-approved designs, and press coverage highlighted an additional concept called Roof for Two by Anna Morrison Architect and Leonardo Leiva Rivera -- a design where the ADU roof doubles as a deck for the main house. DOB has stated it will continue reviewing and adding new pre-approved plans as design professionals submit them. the library is designed to grow over time, so check back regularly for new options.

quick comparison table

design	firm	sq ft	layout	est. cost	type
SITU ADU	SITU	280	studio	$220K--$280K	detached
Xanadu	BEAM Architects	300	studio	$85K--$100K	detached
CDA Studio	Unit Two Dev.	336	studio	$250K--$310K	attached
SMART LOFT	ANE Design	343	studio	$100K--$120K	detached
Maisel House	Reform Arch.	400	studio/1BR	$550K--$650K	detached
Studio ADU NYC	VL Architects	439	studio	$185K--$265K	detached
Still Point	EEREE	472	1BR	$100K--$140K	detached
Far Nordic ADU	FAR Architecture	600	1BR	$390K--$450K	detached (above garage)
CDA One Bed	Unit Two Dev.	600	1BR	$360K--$430K	detached
Grand ADU	ANE Design	785	2BR	$160K--$230K	detached

budget-friendly options: plans under $150K

if cost is the deciding factor, three designs stand out:

1. Xanadu by BEAM Architects ($85K--$100K) -- the most affordable option by a wide margin. at 300 square feet, it is compact but livable as a studio. this is the only plan that could realistically be built for under $100,000.
2. SMART LOFT by ANE Design ($100K--$120K) -- slightly larger at 343 square feet with a loft layout that maximizes usable space. still well within Plus One financing range.
3. Still Point by EEREE ($100K--$140K) -- the standout value pick. 472 square feet with a dedicated bedroom for potentially under $140K. if you want a real apartment (not just a studio) on a budget, this is the one.

all three of these plans fall comfortably within the $395,000 Plus One financing cap, leaving significant budget room for site preparation, utility connections, landscaping, and contingencies.

best for small lots

if your backyard is tight, footprint matters more than total square footage. here are the smallest-footprint options:

• SITU ADU (280 SF) -- the most compact option, and its modular construction means less on-site disruption during the build.
• Xanadu (300 SF) -- nearly as small, with a simple rectangular footprint that is easy to site.
• CDA Studio (336 SF, attached) -- because it attaches to your main house, it does not eat into usable yard space the way a detached unit does.
• Far Nordic ADU (600 SF, above garage) -- the two-story above-garage format means the ground-level footprint is devoted to parking, not a new building pad.

remember that NYC ADU zoning rules impose setback requirements -- your ADU must be a minimum distance from property lines, the main house, and neighboring structures. use the eligibility checker to see what your specific lot can accommodate before falling in love with a design.

best for families

if you need bedrooms rather than an open studio, your options narrow but do not disappear:

• Grand ADU by ANE Design (785 SF, 2BR) -- the only two-bedroom option. ideal for a small family, an elderly parent who needs a caregiver, or roommates. at $160K--$230K, it is surprisingly affordable for its size.
• Still Point by EEREE (472 SF, 1BR) -- a dedicated bedroom in a compact package, with wheelchair accessibility built in.
• CDA One Bed by Unit Two Development (600 SF, 1BR) -- a more spacious one-bedroom with full accessibility and energy-efficient construction.
• Far Nordic ADU by FAR Architecture (600 SF, 1BR) -- a one-bedroom above a new garage, good for families who also need vehicle storage.
• Maisel House by Reform Architecture (400 SF, studio/1BR) -- the flexible layout can be configured as either a studio or a one-bedroom depending on how you use the space.

how to use a pre-approved plan

here is the step-by-step process for going from browsing the library to breaking ground:

1. check your eligibility. before you pick a design, make sure your property qualifies for an ADU. use our free eligibility checker or enter your address on the ADU For You platform.
2. browse the plan library. review the designs at nycadu.com/plans or on the official HPD library. compare size, cost, and layout against your needs and lot constraints.
3. contact the architect. each plan is associated with a Registered Design Professional (RDP). reach out to the firm to discuss your property, get a site-specific cost estimate, and confirm the plan works on your lot.
4. site-specific adaptation. the architect adapts the pre-approved design to your specific lot conditions -- grading, utility connections, setbacks, and foundation requirements. this is faster and cheaper than a ground-up design.
5. file through DOB NOW. the architect files a standard job application through DOB NOW, the city's online permitting portal. because the design is pre-approved, the review focuses on site-specific issues rather than the full plan.
6. apply for financing (if needed). if you qualify for Plus One financing, submit your application before the june 12, 2026 deadline. the pre-approved plan and cost estimate strengthen your application.
7. build. once permits are issued and financing is secured, construction begins. timelines vary by design and site conditions, but pre-approved plans generally mean fewer change orders and delays.

can you modify a pre-approved plan?

yes, but with caveats. pre-approved plans are approved as-is for code compliance. if you want to modify the design -- change the layout, add a window, alter the roofline -- those modifications require additional DOB review. the more you change, the less time you save compared to a custom design.

minor modifications like interior paint colors, fixture selections, and appliance choices do not require re-review. structural changes, layout changes, and changes that affect fire safety or accessibility typically do.

the rule of thumb: if you love a pre-approved design but want to tweak it, talk to the architect first. they can tell you which modifications are straightforward and which ones would trigger a full plan examination.

pre-approved vs. custom design: the tradeoffs

choosing between a pre-approved plan and a fully custom design comes down to your priorities:

factor	pre-approved plan	custom design
permitting speed	faster -- bulk of review is done	slower -- full plan examination required
architect cost	lower -- adaptation only	higher -- ground-up design
design flexibility	limited to available options	unlimited -- built to your exact specs
cost predictability	high -- known cost ranges	variable -- depends on design complexity
uniqueness	shared designs -- neighbors may have the same plan	one-of-a-kind
timeline to permits	weeks to a few months	3 to 6+ months

for most homeowners -- especially those on a budget or facing the june 12 Plus One financing deadline -- a pre-approved plan is the practical choice. the speed and cost advantages are significant, and the designs in the library are genuinely well-considered. custom design makes sense if you have a unique lot, specific accessibility needs not covered by the library, or a larger budget and no timeline pressure.

next steps

the Pre-Approved Plan Library is one of the most tangible tools NYC has created for homeowners interested in ADUs. instead of navigating a confusing design and permitting process alone, you can start with a vetted design and a clear path forward.

here is what to do next:

1. check your eligibility -- find out if your property qualifies for an ADU in about 30 seconds.
2. browse the plans -- compare all available designs side by side on our plans page.
3. apply for financing -- if you qualify for Plus One, submit your application before june 12, 2026. details are in our financing guide.

the library will continue to grow as DOB reviews and approves new submissions. but the designs already available cover a wide range of budgets, lot sizes, and living needs. if you have been waiting for the right time to build an ADU in NYC, the tools are finally here.